"The fact that [Android users] can not turn off app permissions is a Stygian hole in the Android security model, and a billion people's data is being sucked through," wrote the EFF's Peter Eckersley. "Embarrassingly, it is also one that Apple managed to fix in iOS years ago."

The EFF argued that Google ought to re-enable the feature and fix it by adding three missing pieces: a single switch to keep apps from collecting trackable identifiers such as your phone number, IMEI, and user account info; a way to disable network access on a per-app basis; and better integration of App Ops into the Android system.

Google did not respond to a request for comment. CNET will update the story when they do.

About the author

Senior writer Seth Rosenblatt covered Google and security for CNET News, with occasional forays into tech and pop culture. Formerly a CNET Reviews senior editor for software, he has written about nearly every category of software and app available.
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